Greater Victoria is on the rise, and we want you to be a part of it. Whether you’re moving across the country or just across the water, this guide is here to help you make a smooth transition to life in Vancouver Island’s largest city. From finding the right neighbourhood and navigating the logistics of your move to settling in and exploring all this vibrant region has to offer, we’ve compiled a list of our most requested resources to help you at every step.
Schools (K – 12)
Did you know Greater Victoria offers many education opportunities for students of all ages? Greater Victoria has three school districts offering publicly funded education, three post-secondaries and a host of private schools.
School District 61 (SD61) in Greater Victoria offers top-notch education across Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Victoria, View Royal and parts of Saanich and Highlands. With 28 elementary, 10 middle and seven secondary schools, plus programs for international students and adult learners, there’s something for everyone. The Greater Victoria School District also offers programs ranging from French Immersion to Indigenous Education and more. If you’re new to Canada, the Welcome Centre is here to help get your kids enrolled.
The Sooke School District has about 13,250 students and covers areas like Sooke, Port Renfrew, Langford and Colwood, just outside of the City of Victoria. The region has five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. It’s a beautiful area surrounded by forests, the ocean and mountains.
The Saanich School District is home to around 8,000 students and has a mix of neighbourhood schools, including eight elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools. Plus, the district has one of the top international student programs in the province with SISP (Saanich International Student Program).
Private Schools
Looking for private or independent schools in Greater Victoria? You’ll find a wide range of options, from IB schools to faith-based, preschools and alternative schools. We have highly ranked private schools such as GNS, St. Michael’s University School, Brookes Westshore, St. Margaret’s school, in Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry and a number of Montessori schools.
Colleges and Universities
Camosun College has a ton of great options across two campuses, whether you’re looking to transfer to university, get into a trade or upgrade your skills. Camosun offers opportunities that include applied degree, career training, plus strong programs for professional development and industry training. What sets Camosun apart is the amazing reputation they’ve built for top-notch teaching for over 5,000 students and the fact that it’s ranked one of the best places to learn in Canada.
The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of the top research schools in the country, offering its 20,000+ students tons of hands-on learning. UVic’s research makes a difference with world-class projects like Ocean Networks Canada and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. Plus, UVic has the only joint Indigenous law program in the world and a Faculty of Health. The campus is full of strong partnerships that stretch across the globe and the faculty and students work with over 300 institutions in 70 countries. UVic has also been recognized as one of the best places to prepare students for careers in a global world.
Royal Roads University (RRU) offers flexible, innovative programs that meet you where you are. You’ll feel part of a community dedicated to growth and change online or on campus. Nearly 5,000 students at their school bring their background, learn from others and step up — Royal Roads helps you make it happen. Royal Roads offers a mix of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate programs. This also includes accelerated programs.
Childcare
The Childcare Resources and Referral Centre, through the B.C. Ministry of Education and Childcare is a helpful free service that connects you with licensed and registered childcare providers. The Centre can also give you info on the Affordable Child Care Benefit, and you can also chat with early childhood professionals over the phone.
Since ChildCareBC started in 2018, the information resource has been providing steps towards a future where families can count on affordable, quality and inclusive childcare being there when needed. This includes information on $10 a Day ChildCareBC Centres, with families paying no more than $200 a month for full-time care—and some low-income families might even qualify for free child care. Find out more from this information hub created by the Government of B.C.
Pathways is a free, online directory that serves as a one-stop resource for finding daycare, parenting support or financial assistance for childcare in one place. Search for what you need and find up-to-date info on local programs and services to make life easier for your family. It’s perfect for busy parents who want quick access to reliable community resources.
Beacon Community Services offers innovative childcare programs that connect children of various backgrounds to the outdoors, fostering respect for the land and community. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, the programs emphasize outdoor play to nurture emotional, social, cognitive and physical development. Their inclusive approach recognizes children as capable individuals, encouraging independence and celebrating diverse backgrounds. Beacon Community Services serves families in School District 62 (Westshore) and School District 63 (Saanich) and is preparing to open in School District 61.
Healthcare
Below, you’ll find helpful resources to navigate the healthcare system in Greater Victoria, from Island Health’s comprehensive medical support to resources for finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner through the Health Connect Registry. Learn about vital resources like the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre, support for newcomers from the Inter-Cultural Association, and local family practice divisions that ensure you get the care you need.
Victoria General Hospital (VGH) in View Royal is one of Greater Victoria’s major hospitals, handling emergencies, surgeries and other medical treatments with a comprehensive maternity unity. With 344 beds for acute care, plus special units for neuro-rehabilitation and geriatric care,Victoria General is a key part of the community. VGH also helps train future doctors through its partnership with UBC’s Orthopaedic Surgery program.
Royal Jubilee Hospital is located right in the core of Victoria. It’s the oldest and largest healthcare centre on Vancouver Island, with over 4,300 staff and doctors working there. The hospital provides everything from emergency care to specialized treatments and trains future doctors. It’s a real cornerstone of healthcare in the area.
Saanich Peninsula Hospital serves about 30,000 households in the Saanich Peninsula area, with an emergency department, 48 acute care beds for those needing immediate care and 144 beds for extended care. A few of the hospital’s services include heart health programs, eye health services, nutrition support and specialized care for Indigenous communities.
Island Health provides a broad range of healthcare services, covering everything from primary care to public health, mental health and substance use services, home care and acute hospital care. With a network of doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives, dentists and a dedicated team of volunteers and staff, Island Health is focused on meeting the unique health needs of a diverse and geographically spread-out population.
The Vancouver Island Cancer Centre is one of the main regional cancer care centres for Vancouver Island, located next to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Services include financial aid, support programs and even help with transportation and lodging for those travelling for treatment. They also conduct important research and clinical trials. If you’re going in for care, you can bring a support person and interpreter services are available if needed.
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is doing a lot to help newcomers navigate healthcare. One of the ICA’s most helpful resources is a report that digs into the challenges newcomers face, like language barriers and accessing mental health services, and they’re working on solutions to make healthcare more equitable. The ICA’s even hosted events to get healthcare workers and community members on the same page about these issues. Plus, they’re focusing on improving refugee access to dental care and offering interpretation services in over 200 languages, which is huge. If you want to learn more or get involved, their website has all the details.
Island Community Mental Health (ICMH) is a community centre of knowledge regarding information, referrals, system navigation, advocacy, and services surrounding mental health. ICMH helps increase public awareness of mental health issues, participates in broad-scale advocacy efforts, cooperates with other organizations to increase the scope/effectiveness of service delivery and expands funding sources to provide additional services.
B.C.’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers doctor visits, surgeries and even some dental work if it’s done in a hospital. If you’re a resident, you’re eligible, and there’s no charge for it anymore since 2020. You can sign up online, and if you need help, Health Insurance BC can assist. If you need forms or more info, you can also drop by a Service BC center.
Pacific Blue Cross is one of the go-to organizations for health benefits in B.C. They’re a not-for-profit based in Burnaby and cover about one in three people in the province with health, dental, life and travel insurance. The organization has also been recognized for supporting local charities and promoting diversity and inclusion.
The South Island Division of Family Practice is a group of local family doctors working together to improve healthcare in the South Island. They help support doctors by tackling challenges in their practices, offering professional development and making sure physician wellness is a priority. They also work on recruiting new healthcare professionals, improving access to care and encouraging team-based approaches through the Primary Care Network. Covering the Western Communities, Saanich Peninsula and Salt Spring Island, they’re all about building a strong community of doctors and helping patients get the best care possible.
The Victoria Division of Family Practice supports local family doctors in Victoria and helps improve the healthcare system. It’s a welcoming community where family physicians can connect, get support and make a real difference. They offer programs like the Urban Locum Program, Peer Support and the MOA Network, all aimed at making life easier for doctors. Whether you’re looking for resources or have ideas to share, the Division is open to all family doctors in Victoria. Reach out to the team anytime for help or to get involved in shaping the future of healthcare.
If you’re looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner in B.C., you can register with the Health Connect Registry. It’s quick and easy to sign up—just provide your info and they’ll match you with a healthcare provider in your community. You can also register on behalf of your family or someone in your care. Once you’re on the list, they’ll reach out when a doctor or nurse becomes available. And if you need help or have questions, call 8-1-1 for support in over 130 languages. It’s a great way to make sure you and your family have access to ongoing healthcare!
Real Estate
Looking to buy a house through a qualified realtor? Check out the realtors at the Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB). This community of dedicated Realtors serves the Greater Victoria area, from Sooke to Sidney and the Gulf Islands. As one of eight real estate boards in BC, VREB offers resources like the Multiple Listing Service and provides education and community representation to its members.
Business
South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) is Greater Victoria’s economic development organization. SIPP was founded in 2016 as a multi-stakeholder alliance of municipal and First Nations governments, post-secondaries, business and industry associations, nonprofits and major employers, now over 70 members strong. As stewards of Greater Victoria’s economic development strategy, we collaborate across sectors and municipalities to harness opportunity, accelerate innovation, drive the creation of household-supporting jobs and grow economic and social prosperity for current and future generations. SIPP’s key initiatives include the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST), the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, Rising Economy and Victoria Rising.
The Chamber is one of the region’s most diverse and influential business associations. With a membership of more than 1,500, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the second largest of the 131 chambers in B.C. The Chamber represents the interests of small, medium and large businesses across all sectors as well as members from the not-for-profit sector.
The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce is a cornerstone of the business community in Esquimalt. The Chamber advocates for all businesses within the Township, provides resources and programs that support local businesses and advances the vitality of our region.
The WestShore Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses and helps the community thrive. Based in Colwood, Langford and surrounding areas, the WestShore Chamber is a non-profit organization that promotes economic growth, advocates for local business and strives to connect businesses and build a stronger community with integrity, collaboration and a focus on community well-being.
The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting businesses of all sizes, ensuring a fair and stable environment for economic growth. The Saanich Peninsula Chamber advocates for over 2,300 businesses across Central Saanich, Sidney and North Saanich, which collectively provide more than 15,000 jobs.
COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) is an ambitious initiative launched in 2021 by the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) to cement British Columbia’s reputation as a world leader in the sustainable blue economy. Based in Greater Victoria and the surrounding Pacific region, COAST brings together ocean entrepreneurs, industry leaders, government, researchers, academia and investors to develop an ecosystem that enables innovation, collaboration and inclusive economic growth in ocean-related sectors. COAST serves as a hub for ocean technology and marine industry innovation, focusing on the creation and acceleration of startups, supporting established companies, and fostering groundbreaking solutions to the ocean’s environmental and economic challenges. By connecting diverse stakeholders, COAST not only supports ventures through programs, partnerships, and shared resources but also amplifies the region’s capacity for export-driven sustainable jobs and enterprises.
VIATEC is the key technology association for companies involved in Greater Victoria’s tech sector, which boats $5.9B billion in annual revenue, employing 20,007+ employees across 1,172 high-tech companies.VIATEC fuels the region’s growth with accelerator programs, tech networking events and services designed to support the next generation of technology trailblazers.
For Indigenous Communities on Southern Vancouver Island, please check out the Victoria Rising Resource.
With a team of seasoned experts boasting exits worth over a billion dollars, Cindicates (fromerly Capital Investment Network) is a community of mentors, advisors and innovators. Cindicates is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Victoria that invests in promising local startups with a focus on creating value for investors.
The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) is the go-to authority for everything business happening in the city’s center. Through its grant programs, the DVBA offers financial assistance for sustainability, security, and vandalism repair, helping businesses thrive. The DVBA’s Clean Team also contributes by maintaining cleanliness and removing graffiti downtown. Guided by a board of directors, the DVBA provides strategic leadership to build downtown Victoria.
The Sidney Business Improvement Area (BIA) is dedicated to strengthening the local business community by driving foot traffic and attracting potential customers and event attendees to downtown Sidney. Since 2013, the BIA has supported businesses through marketing initiatives, collaborative efforts, and community events, helping to create a vibrant and thriving district. Businesses and organizations outside the Sidney BIA’s physical boundaries can also join as associate members, gaining access to valuable marketing opportunities and becoming part of the supportive local network. The Sidney BIA plays a key role in boosting the local economy and enhancing the quality of life in the area.
The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce continues to evolve and strengthen to provide necessary leadership, education and advocacy for the business community. Led by an executive and board of directors the chamber creates a vibrant and sustainable economic climate for the community. Since 1948 the Chamber has grown to have the largest membership per capita of any municipality in British Columbia.
Find out more about Greater Victoria’s municipalities and their business opportunities.
The Indigenous Business Directory makes it easy to connect with Indigenous-owned businesses on southern Vancouver Island. It helps businesses and procurement professionals find and support local Indigenous services. To be listed, businesses must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned (or 100% for sole proprietorships). If you’re an Indigenous business and want to be featured, simply fill out the online application to join!
The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), proudly serves members of the industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-family residential construction sectors on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal communities in British Columbia.
First Nations and Indigenous
Looking to connect with and support Indigenous communities in Greater Victoria? Below you’ll find links to the First Nations of Southern Vancouver Island and several Indigenous organizations.
First Nations
Businesses
Métis Nation of Greater Victoria provides services, events and representation for the Métis community in the Capital Region to reestablish and strengthen family, community and cultural ties for Métis people.
The VNFC is a non-profit Indigenous-led organization, which comprises over 140 staff members, building and delivering over 75 programs working to further innovative solutions to improve socio-economic conditions for urban Indigenous peoples.
The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is the umbrella organization for Friendship Centres across B.C. Friendship Centres are not-for-profit, Indigenous-led, social service organizations that work to promote, develop and deliver accessible programs and services that support Indigenous peoples living in urban areas and away from home.
The Indigenous Prosperity Centre (IPC) is committed to the self-directed economic vision of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples on Southern Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia. IPC is a non-governmental, non-partisan organization, housed within the South Island Prosperity Partnership, a non-profit agency dedicated to fostering a more resilient, inclusive, innovative and sustainable South Island economy.
The Indigenous Business Directory makes it easy to connect with Indigenous-owned businesses on southern Vancouver Island. It helps businesses and procurement professionals find and support local Indigenous services. To be listed, businesses must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned (or 100% for sole proprietorships). If you’re an Indigenous business and want to be featured, simply fill out the online application to join!
Looking to buy a house through a qualified realtor? Check out the realtors at the Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB). This community of dedicated Realtors serves the Greater Victoria area, from Sooke to Sidney and the Gulf Islands.. As one of eight real estate boards in BC, VREB offers resources like the Multiple Listing Service and provides education and community representation to its members.
Co-Working Spaces
Join a coworking community dedicated to the ocean at its core. Expect more than just a desk here: this is for people who crave community, love to learn from others and are hoping for a work-home in the heart of Victoria, BC. Participate in tenants-only gatherings with other kind, brilliant folks working hard on inspiring projects from electric ferries and impact investing to commercial diving, subsea data analytics and more. COAST Ocean Innovation Hub offers 40% subsidized coworking rates, with drop-ins, flexible punch passes, desks starting at $270/month, or private offices starting at $1000/month.
KWENCH is a full-service coworking and cultural club in Victoria, BC, offering flexible private offices, boardrooms, event rentals, and shared workspaces designed to support productivity, creativity, and wellbeing. More than a coworking space, KWENCH is home to a growing community of entrepreneurs, creatives, and small teams who thrive on connection and balance.
Located in downtown Sidney, B.C., Eclective is a vibrant, versatile coworking venue. Hot-desk from the open-floor plan communal space or become a private office member and have a space all your own. Take your work to the couch or the social bar, and when you need a bit more privacy, check out the breakout spaces, private phone booths, bookable board room and studio.
Located in downtown Victoria, B.C., Fort Tectoria is a coworking space, event hub, tech community gathering point, and home to the VIATEC accelerator program. Located in a four-storey heritage building built in 1909, Fort Tectoria has been modernized with all the comforts a coworking space could offer. Choose from shared coworking desks to small, medium and large-sized offices.
Immigrant & Newcomer Services
Navigating life in a new country can be challenging, but Victoria has a wealth of organizations dedicated to helping newcomers feel welcome and supported. The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), NewToBC, the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society, and the Victoria Pride Society offer a variety of services to support immigrants, refugees, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. From practical resources to cultural events, they help newcomers thrive and feel at home in the Capital Region.
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) assists immigrants and refugees to settle into life in the Capital Region. ICA offers a range of services such as finding housing and jobs to learning English through the free LINC program. ICA also provides support for LGBTQI2S+ newcomers and runs workshops to help build skills and community connections. Whether you’re new to Canada or have been here for years, ICA is here to help you integrate and thrive.
NewToBC assists newcomer immigrants and refugees to connect with essential settlement information, public libraries and service provider organizations in their communities. NewToBC also plays a unique role in the settlement sector, serving as a connector and information hub for community agencies and B.C. communities as they welcome growing newcomer populations.
The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society is dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees through comprehensive settlement, integration and anti-racism services are designed to help newcomers integrate, thrive and build a successful future in Canada.
2SLGBTQIA+
The Victoria Pride Society (VPS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for Greater Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The Victoria Pride Society organizes events like the annual Pride Parade and Festival, along with year-round programming that promotes visibility, education and celebration. Their mission is to elevate the voices of queer communities and work toward a future where everyone can live freely and authentically, without fear of discrimination.
The Victoria Pink Pages is a community-driven resource that connects 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Victoria with safe, welcoming organizations, businesses and services that cater to their needs and interests. It’s a space for everyone. By supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ -owned and operated businesses, the Pink Pages helps build stronger connections within Greater Victoria’s diverse community.
